The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday installed Oba Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale as the new Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, promising not to impose a traditional ruler on any community in order to avert internal crises that could erode the respect accorded to royalty, culture and tradition.

Oyebanji also promised to collaborate with traditional rulers to tackle criminal syndicates terrorising some communities in Ekiti State.

The governor, who spoke while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the 32-year-old Oba Adewole, urged the monarch to work assiduously to unite his people and maintain a cordial relationship with the government to drive development in the community.

Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, said the process leading to the emergence of the monarch was transparent and free of underhand tactics that could bring the traditional Institution into disrepute.

To make his reign memorable and widely celebrated, Oyebanji urged the monarch to pursue his development plans by working with the elite and other indigenes to entrench peace and unity in the town.

“Today, the throne of the Owa of Ayegbaju Ekiti receives a ruler whose emergence followed the clear voice of tradition and the calm acceptance of the people. The clarity of the divination exercise and the absence of contention affirm that this process was guided by order and collective conviction.

“Let it be clearly stated that in this selection, there are no winners and no losers. What we see here is unity, acceptance, and trust in a process that respected both culture and law.

“This is a testament that this administration’s approach to chieftaincy matters has been consistent: non-interference, respect for declarations, and partnership with communities.

“Kabiyesi, you will live longer than your forebears. May wisdom and favour attend your steps as you sit on the throne of your forefathers. May your reign bring peace, progress and honour to Ayegbaju Ekiti and to Ekiti State as a whole.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Olaiya Atibioke, said the stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Solomon Adeloye on February 15, 2024, after which the selection process was undertaken through Ifa consultation, leading to the emergence of the new monarch.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, commended Governor Oyebanji for handling all the selection and installation processes in the state without rancour or crisis. He added that this was also reflected in the June 20 governorship election, which was adjudged the most peaceful in the country’s history.

Oba Adu Alagbado appealed to the people of Ayegbaju to support, respect, value and unite behind the monarch so that his reign would be memorable and attract monumental development that would take the town to greater heights in Ekiti State.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adewole appreciated Governor Oyebanji and the kingmakers for midwifing a selection process free of imposition and rancour, saying this would help unite the kingdom and accelerate its development.

Oba Adewole promised to serve his people zealously and sacrificially, while calling on the government to support his community through the provision of more infrastructure and the allocation of more political appointments to the town.

“I shall serve with humility and give everyone a sense of belonging. I can’t do it alone. Please join me as we take this town to the higher level we are all expecting and working towards. God will bless all of us.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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